Storyteller teaches kids about progress made since segregation

Jo Ann Kirby

Saturday

Feb 21, 2009 at 12:01 AM

A famous Norman Rockwell painting depicts 6-year-old schoolgirl Ruby Bridges clutching schoolbooks and a ruler in one hand as she walks between three men. On the wall in the background, a tomato is splattered.

A famous Norman Rockwell painting depicts 6-year-old schoolgirl Ruby Bridges clutching schoolbooks and a ruler in one hand as she walks between three men. On the wall in the background, a tomato is splattered.

Bridges was the first black child to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans and the first black child to integrate an all-white school in the South.

Her story - and the painting that depicts her courage - are familiar to many adults. But try explaining her circumstances to young kids today, most of whom are unaware of the price many paid to pave the way for the diversity that seems commonplace.

At the Springstowne Library in Vallejo earlier this week, storyteller Kirk Waller introduced "The Ballad of Ruby Bridges."

"She was 6 years old," he said. "This was a time when schools were much different than they are today."

He told the story, then sang it - finishing up with: "Now we learn side by side. Every color ..."

Waller, on his way to perform at a library in Ripon on Thursday, explained how he shares stories of struggle deftly with young audiences.

"Some of the stories deal with issues that aren't so fun to talk about, but they can be told in a way that helps us appreciate how far we've come," he said. "It's about strength, determination and courage."

Waller, the father of a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old who often accompany him to his performances, said he tries to paint a picture with words and song.

"We have to use our imagination to think about how there used to be separate schools," he said. "I'm pretty animated. I move around a lot."

That energy and enthusiasm are what prompted Suzy Daveluy, children's programming librarian for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, to invite Waller to perform at the system's libraries.

"We like to offer cultural programming for all ages, and some of my co-workers saw him at a performers showcase," she said. "We're very excited."

Waller has been involved in theater, mime and storytelling for more than 20 years. He has been recognized nationally and recently completed his first DVD project, "Quack, Gabble, Squawk and other Animal Tales." In addition, he has a book coming out this spring.

Admission to his performance, "Oh My Hammer," at the Stockton-San Joaquin libraries is free and open to the public.

"It's so different now. We all learn together, we all play together," he said of the lesson he shares with his young audiences. "These stories from the past are important and have meaning."